Yet despite increased awareness of organic options, just 33
percent of consumers actually recognize and understand the USDA
Organic seal. Paradoxically, as interest in organic products has
exploded, the general public is more confused about this category
of products.

The 2008 film "Food, Inc.," contended that the average American
supermarket has 47,000 products with a wide range of labels —
including organic, which requires "special claims... that need to
be submitted for approval."

However, not all organics are made alike.

There are 100-percent organic, organic, "made with" organic and
specific organic ingredients. These terms represent vey different
classifications. A 100-percent organic product, for example,
contains all certified organic ingredients, all organic processing
aids, and the product labels must state the name of the certifying
agent on the information panel.

Certain labels require no such formal submission or approval, a
lack of regulation that leads to qualifiers like "all" and
"pure."

Lacrosse has problems with labels too. And there's no USDA to
regulate them.

In 2013, lacrosse enjoyed another double-digit growth spurt
— its fourth in five years. Moreover, according to the Sports
& Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), lacrosse participation
skyrocketed 158 percent between 2008 and 2012.

Like organics, lacrosse is trending. And just like organics, the
increased awareness has come with increased confusion in the
marketplace.

When making decisions about organic products, shoppers must
understand the actual value to justify the typically higher price
point. Organic users credit reasons such as better personal health,
fewer pesticides and fertilizers, and avoidance of antibiotics and
growth hormones. In their minds' these perceived benefits provide
sufficient value for the purchase and consumption.

In lacrosse, events are classified as tournament, round robin,
camp, clinic, showcase, prospect day, tryout or jamboree—with
common qualifiers like elite, select, blue chip and All-American.
The structure follows either an age or graduation-year format.
Numbers — 120, 150, 175, 180, 205, and 225 — can
reflect participation or the event's branding.

To make the best decision, lacrosse consumers must navigate
these choices correctly for their child's individual development
and collegiate exposure opportunities.

1. Know the facts.

In men's lacrosse, there are 67 Division I, 57 Division II, and
215 Division III programs in the NCAA. Roughly 25 to 30 Division I
programs are fully funded (12.6 scholarships). Richie from down the
street didn't get a full ride to Cornell. Typically, most programs
split up three scholarships per class.

And Cornell doesn't give out scholarships. It's an Ivy League
school.

2. Shop seasonal.

Tomatoes are not ripe for the full year, nor are recruiting
opportunities. Peak time windows include the spring scholastic
schedule, the summer tournament and showcase circuit and limited
fall weekends. Dead periods are just that, except for on-campus
prospect days.

3. More expensive does not mean more value.

A 100-percent organic product is better than one "made with"
organic ingredients, and the price should reflect the discrepancy.
A food made with "specific organic ingredients" may not provide
significantly more benefit than a non-organic option and is not
worth the added expense.

While lacrosse labels are not as cut and dry, select events that
match your specific need. Then examine the details to decide if the
cost is justifiable.

"Instruction" corresponds with camps and clinics. Those with
credited directors and curriculum typically provide skills
improvement.

For competition and exposure, "clubs" and individual "showcases"
maximize this aspect of the process. Explore regional club options
and seek those with strong leadership that steer all aspects of the
program's structure and services. Individual exposure events have
various configurations, including those run on-campus by college
coaches and those run by third-party companies.

On-campus "prospect days" have an obvious appeal: The college's
coaching staff is onsite evaluating players. Due to NCAA
regulations, however, they can't turn away player registrations
— unlike a third-party, invitation-only event. That being
said, third-party companies often make marketing claims that may
not represent the complete truth.

Within each of these categories, you should properly identify
the value to justify the purchase. Buyers beware.